olive oil (for deep-frying, a \"light\" version works best for frying)

marinara sauce, warm

Directions

Cut block of cheese into sticks approximately 1/2-inch thick by 1-1/2 inches long. (If using Stringles string cheese, cut each one in half.) Combine flour garlic, sea salt, and black pepper on a medium-sized platter. Beat the eggs with a fork until smooth in a small mixing bowl. Mix the bread crumbs and Italian seasoning on a plate. Adjust seasonings if desired.

Add cheese sticks to the flour mixture and toss to coat. Dunk them in the egg mixture and then in the seasoned bread crumbs. Arrange breaded sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet. Allow cheese to rest for 30 minutes or so.

Pour olive oil into a large skillet to a depth of 3/4 to 1 inch and heat over medium-high heat. Test the heat level with one cheese stick before frying a whole batch; the oil is hot enough when it begins to bubble a bit when you add the cheese stick. Very carefully add the cheese sticks, a few at a time, and fry until golden, about 30 seconds. Scoop the golden cheese sticks from the oil with a slotted spoon, then drain on paper towels. Serve warm, allowing guests to dunk to their heart's content in marinara sauce.